Articles by Amanda Retzer:
Supporting the service industry: how to set up a virtual tip jar
Even as businesses physically reopen, many employees are still reeling from the impact of the Coronavirus, which continues to slow down our return to a “new normal.” The service industry is hit particularly hard—from bartenders to aestheticians—who are struggling to make ends meet and will likely continue to have a hard time even after going… Read more
Behind the business: Food truck Emojis Grilled Cheese paves new path
“Very few places can take a comfort food and reinvent it to taste 11 times better than it did before. This is that place. Legit the best grilled cheese sandwiches of my life.” – Marlene M. of Houston, Texas, in her Yelp review of food truck Emojis Grilled Cheese A gourmet sandwich maker on wheels, Emojis… Read more
Free tools, tips, and resources to support businesses during COVID-19
Corporations from all industries are rallying to help small businesses succeed during these uncertain times. Many companies are offering free tools, tips, and resources—covering everything from online business services to cybersecurity to invoicing—which we’ve collected here to help get them into the hands of the businesses that need them. Free technology tools and services Mastercard… Read more
Choosing the right photos to market your business
Photos are a great way to tell a visual story of your business. They allow you to convey a message, a direction, an emotion, and much more. Photos help share your craft so your audience can visualize what you do—and what you could do for them. Before we get into the tips for choosing a… Read more
Boba Guys and their 7-step process for reopening
When shelter-in-place mandates rolled out, restaurants were forced to either offer takeout or temporarily close. Many had no choice but to shut their doors simply because they had no way to profitably pivot their business model so quickly while still following sanitation and social distancing protocols. Over the last couple of months of reduced or… Read more
Social media marketing strategy for small businesses
With the global pandemic and mandated social distancing guidelines keeping many Americans in their homes, social media has become even more crucial for marketing. Small businesses can’t depend on sidewalk traffic or people seeing their flyers around town to entice customers, making online channels like social media the new digital storefront. As customers spend more… Read more
Uplifting ways that businesses are helping their communities
“It has been an emotional roller coaster since the Coronavirus has hit home,” said Andia Xouris of Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream in Cary, N.C. “We are adjusting daily to the best of our ability to make ends meet, and we just pray and hope that we can stay open and our fans will keep coming… Read more
How to use Yelp Waitlist to manage your takeout orders
With most restaurant dining rooms closed across the country due to COVID-19, it’s no surprise that takeout activity is through the roof. Strong demand for favorites like pizza and wings are driving a lot of business to restaurants in those categories, as evidenced by the fact that chicken-wing restaurants and pizzerias are up 93 percent… Read more
Small business marketing and operational tips during COVID-19
Amid the swirl and stress of operating a small business in the current environment, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When it happens, don’t underestimate the power of stopping to take a deep breath. Take a moment to organize your thoughts, set goals, and write a to-do list with small and large tasks that you can… Read more
Businesses creatively adapt in response to the Coronavirus
Businesses of all types are getting creative in the ways they connect with their customers, from online art parties to pet grooming tips. One business is even offering virtual birthday parties with princess video chats for little ones who aren’t able to enjoy a traditional party with their friends. These inspirational initiatives transcend industry, audience,… Read more